List of Tribes in India: State-wise Compilation & Details

India is home to over 700 tribes, each with its own unique culture, traditions, and way of life. These tribes have played a crucial role in shaping the country’s diverse heritage. 

Some of the most well-known tribes include the Bhils, Gonds, Santhals, and Nagas. The Bhils, primarily found in Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Madhya Pradesh, are famous for their folklore and traditional art. 

The Gonds, inhabiting central India, are known for their deep connection to nature and vibrant artwork. In this article, we will provide a state-wise compilation of Indian tribes, highlighting their history, customs, and significance.

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Introduction to Indian Tribes: Diversity and Cultural Significance

A tribe is a group of people, often of related families, who live together and share the same language, culture, and history. Tribes often have a common ancestor and live in their closed society. They also share similar rules or a specific purpose.

India is a vast and diverse country characterised by a wide array of cultures and traditions, reflected in the numerous tribes that inhabit the country.

How many tribes are there? According to the 2011 census, there are 705 Scheduled Tribes in India, making up approximately 8.6% of the country's total population.

• Diversity: There are over 700 tribes in India, each with its own unique language, culture, and traditions. The tribes are dispersed widely over geographical territory. Some of the major tribes in India include:
• Bhil Tribe: The Bhil tribe is the largest tribe in India, with a population of over 10 million. They are primarily found in the states of Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra. The Bhil people are known for their traditional art and music, and they are also skilled in hunting and gathering.
• Gond Tribe: The Gond tribe is the second largest tribe in India, with a population of over 9 million. They are primarily found in the states of Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, and Andhra Pradesh. The Gond people are known for their colourful art and music, and they are also skilled in agriculture and weaving.
• Santhal Tribe: The population of Santhals is more than thirty lakhs.

The states with the largest tribal populations are:

• Madhya Pradesh (15.3%)
• Maharashtra (10.1%)
• Odisha (9.1%)
• Chhattisgarh (8.6%)
• Jharkhand (8.3%)

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How Many Tribes Are There in India? A Look at the Numbers

There are over 700 tribes in India. According to the 2011 census, 705 ethnic groups are recognised as Scheduled Tribes. 

These tribes constitute 8.6% of India's total population, numbering around 104 million. These groups are spread across 30 states and Union Territories. Some sources cite slightly higher numbers (over 730) due to ongoing revisions and classifications.

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Famous Tribes of India: History, Culture, and Traditions

India has over 700 tribes, each with unique languages, cultures, and traditions. Some of the most well-known tribes include:

• Bhil: The Bhil are one of the largest tribes in India, with a population exceeding 10 million. They are primarily found in Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra. The Bhil are known for traditional art, music, hunting, and gathering skills. The name "Bhil" comes from "billu," meaning bow.
• Gond: The Gond tribe is the second largest in India, with a population of over 9 million. They reside mainly in Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, and Andhra Pradesh. The Gond are known for colourful art, music, agriculture, and weaving. The term "Gond" comes from the Telugu word "Konda," which translates to hill.
• Santhal: The Santhal tribe is the third largest in India and is primarily found in the states of Jharkhand, West Bengal, and Odisha. They are known for their traditional dance, music, agriculture, and fishing.
• Munda: The Munda tribe is the fourth largest in India, residing mainly in the states of Jharkhand, Odisha, and West Bengal. They are known for their traditional art, music, agriculture, and hunting skills.
• Oraon: The Oraon tribe is the fifth largest in India and is primarily found in the states of Jharkhand, Odisha, and Chhattisgarh. They are known for their traditional dance, music, agriculture, and weaving.
• Other famous tribes include the Naga, Sentinelese, Khasi, Garo, Angami, Bhutia, Chenchu, Kodaba, and the Great Andamanese.

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State-wise List of Tribes in India: A Detailed Compilation

Preserving Tribal Heritage: Challenges and Government Initiatives

Tribal communities in India possess a rich cultural heritage, including unique art, music, traditions, and knowledge systems, but they face numerous challenges that threaten their preservation.

Challenges to Preserving Tribal Heritage:

• Land Displacement: Industrial projects, mining, and urban expansion often lead to the displacement of tribal communities from their ancestral lands, causing them to lose their homes and traditional ways of life. The loss of land can lead to a struggle for cultural identity and economic stability.
• Modernisation and Cultural Erosion: As tribal youth seek education and jobs in cities, they may become disconnected from traditional knowledge and practices. Globalisation and the dominance of mainstream culture can lead to a decline in tribal languages, customs, and art forms.
• Socio-economic Disparities: Poverty, limited access to education, and lack of economic opportunities can constrain the resources available for maintaining and renovating traditional dwellings.
• Lack of Documentation: There is often a lack of authentic documentation of traditional tribal lives, history, and cultural heritage in India.
• Threats to Intangible Heritage: Rapid modernisation, globalisation, and the influence of Western culture pose serious threats to the intangible heritage of tribal populations, including traditional knowledge systems.

Government Initiatives and Preservation Efforts:

• Protective Laws: Enacting and enforcing laws that protect the cultural heritage and rights of tribal communities is essential5. The Forest Rights Act (2006) aimed to protect tribal rights over forest land, but its implementation has been inconsistent.
• Support for Cultural Preservation Programs: Establishing and funding programs specifically designed to support the preservation of traditional arts and crafts is crucial. These programs can provide grants to artisans, support cultural heritage centres, and sponsor festivals.
• Involving Communities in Decision-Making: Engaging tribal communities in the decision-making processes regarding policies that affect their land, resources, and cultural practices is essential.
• Promoting Endogenous Development: Creating centres of excellence or information hubs that focus on tribal folklore, customs, and traditions can help promote endogenous development.
• Cultural Preservation through Technology: Using technology to digitize oral histories, create virtual museums, and share tribal music and dance online can help bridge the gap between traditional knowledge and modern society.

Efforts to preserve tribal heritage should prioritise the preservation of tribal cultures and their rights to land and resources.

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